Post 77 drops game to Asheville despite early lead

Henderson County's Thomas Waddell (8) slides into third base during a game against Asheville Tuesday at East Henderson.

PATRICK SULLIVAN/TIMES-NEWS

By Michael HughesTimes-News Correspondent

Published: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 11:06 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 11:06 p.m.

EAST FLAT ROCK – On a perfect evening for American Legion baseball at East Henderson, Asheville Post 70 overcame eight walks from four pitchers in Tuesday's 10-5 win over Henderson County Post 77.

Reliever Parker Johnson, a Wake Forest signee from T.C. Roberson, pitched the final four innings for Asheville, surrendering no runs on three hits and striking out 10 to preserve the win.

Henderson County jumped in front 2-0 in the second inning on a solo blast from outfielder Tucker Epperson followed by an RBI single from second baseman Sage Cornatzer, who led Post 77 with three hits in four at-bats, including a seventh-inning double off Johnson.

Christ School product and center fielder Christian Jewkes was the big gun for Asheville Post 70, driving in six runs on four hits in five at-bats. Jewkes had consecutive two-RBI singles in the third, fourth and sixth innings, when the visitors scored eight of their 10 runs.

With Asheville holding a 6-5 lead through the middle fifth, Henderson County shortstop Noah Poteat rounded third base sharply on a two-out single by No. 2 hitter Cameron Crisp and was picked off trying to return to the bag.

Post 70 scored two in the sixth and twice more in the ninth to pull away from their regional rivals.

First baseman Zack Oberlies reached base four times with two hits for Post 77, including a third-inning double and RBI. David Sutton and Jacob Cagle had two hits apiece for Asheville.

Post 77 (1-5) tries to regroup tonight in another home game on the diamond, this time against Belmont. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

<p><b>EAST FLAT ROCK –</b> On a perfect evening for American Legion baseball at East Henderson, Asheville Post 70 overcame eight walks from four pitchers in Tuesday's 10-5 win over Henderson County Post 77. </p><p>Reliever Parker Johnson, a Wake Forest signee from T.C. Roberson, pitched the final four innings for Asheville, surrendering no runs on three hits and striking out 10 to preserve the win.</p><p>Henderson County jumped in front 2-0 in the second inning on a solo blast from outfielder Tucker Epperson followed by an RBI single from second baseman Sage Cornatzer, who led Post 77 with three hits in four at-bats, including a seventh-inning double off Johnson.</p><p>Christ School product and center fielder Christian Jewkes was the big gun for Asheville Post 70, driving in six runs on four hits in five at-bats. Jewkes had consecutive two-RBI singles in the third, fourth and sixth innings, when the visitors scored eight of their 10 runs.</p><p>With Asheville holding a 6-5 lead through the middle fifth, Henderson County shortstop Noah Poteat rounded third base sharply on a two-out single by No. 2 hitter Cameron Crisp and was picked off trying to return to the bag.</p><p>Post 70 scored two in the sixth and twice more in the ninth to pull away from their regional rivals.</p><p>First baseman Zack Oberlies reached base four times with two hits for Post 77, including a third-inning double and RBI. David Sutton and Jacob Cagle had two hits apiece for Asheville.</p><p>Post 77 (1-5) tries to regroup tonight in another home game on the diamond, this time against Belmont. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.</p>